Honda Accord Takes First Place in Motor Trend Magazine's 'King of the Road Trip' Family Sedan Comparison

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 19, 2004 -- Motor Trend magazine named the Honda Accord as the top-pick in its "King of the Road Trip" family sedan comparison test, appearing in the February issue. The Accord captured first place by a landslide vote, with all six of the magazine's test drivers casting their vote in favor of the Accord V6 Sedan.

The editors of Motor Trend tested the Accord against two new 2004 entries to the midsize sedan market -- the Chevrolet Malibu and Mitsubishi Galant -- and one established entrant, the Toyota Camry. All of the sedans spent a day of testing on the racetrack before undergoing a comprehensive road test that put the vehicles to the true test of family sedan performance: loading luggage, driving on interstates, eating fast food on the go and using child safety seats.

"We're thrilled that the editors of Motor Trend have chosen the Accord as the top performer in the class," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of auto sales for American Honda. "This test demonstrates that the Accord, with its balance of family utility and sports sedan performance, is truly the ultimate family sedan."

The Accord is praised for its balance of performance and fuel efficiency, turning the fastest 0-60mph and quarter-mile times with the second-best fuel economy in the group. The magazine's editors also gave high marks to the Accord for its "spectacular" build quality, thoughtful interior design and comprehensive safety features. "Sporty, spacious, efficient luxurious and beautifully crafted, the Accord EX borders on family-sedan perfection," the article concludes.

This accomplishment comes on the heels of the Accord's recent victory in the Edmunds.com 2003-2004 Family Sedan Comparison test, where it was chosen the best in its class from a field of nine family sedans. The 2004 Accord was also named to Car and Driver magazine's "10Best" list for the 18th consecutive year, more than any other vehicle in the history of the competition.